The linkage of downtown Harrisburg with the emerging Allsion Hill at this location was established in 1891 with the opening of the original Mulberry Street Bridge. Hailed at that time by Harrisburg civic leader J. Horace McFarland as "the day . . . — — Map (db m6659) HM
Native peoples lived in the Susquehanna Valley thousands of years before the arrival of John Harris Sr. In the 16th Century, the Susquehannocks, an Iroquoian speaking people, initially inhabited the northern waters of the Susquehanna River. The . . . — — Map (db m121989) HM
The Paxton Boys and the End of the Resident Indians in the Lower Susquehanna Valley – 1763
By 1763 only one Indian settlement remained below Shamokin in Pennsylvania’s lower Susquehanna Valley. A small settlement of twenty Conestoga . . . — — Map (db m121990) HM
When the decision was made in 1810 to designate Harrisburg the Pennsylvania State Capital, the prophecy of John Harris Jr.'s town plan of 1785 was realized. At that time, he donated four acres of land to the Commonwealth, a portion of which is now . . . — — Map (db m6724) HM
Two Dauphin County Courthouses occupied this site at the intersection of Market St. and what was originally known as Raspberry Street, later appropriately renamed Court Street. John Harris, Jr.'s original plan for Harrisburg set aside this land for . . . — — Map (db m6652) HM
The second Dauphin County Prison stood on the southeast corner of Walnut and Court Streets. Completed in 1841, it replaced a log structure erected circa 1792 at the time that the first Dauphin County Courthouse was built directly behind this . . . — — Map (db m6749) HM
Founded in 1784 by John Harris Jr., through profits generated by his Ferry across the Susquehanna, the Harrisburg Academy erected this riverside campus in 1908. The school was officially incorporated through an Act of the State Legislature in 1809 . . . — — Map (db m6479) HM
Harrisburg grew from its earliest days due to its strategic location as a gateway to western expansion, becoming one of the most important inland centers of U.S. transportation and trade. The development of rail lines along the same routes as the . . . — — Map (db m6687) HM
On the site of the present Market Street Post Office Building stood until the early 1960’s the old Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Station, Harrisburg’s second passenger terminal that exemplified the City’s prominence and traditional role as . . . — — Map (db m102271) HM
Standing on land granted for religious purposes in 1785 by John Harris, this church was erected, 1822. It replaced one built of logs in 1787, the first church structure in present-day Harrisburg. — — Map (db m6570) HM
The church which stands at S. Third and Chestnut Streets is the oldest standing church building in Harrisburg, erected in 1822. It however represents the second building on this lot granted by John Harris, Jr. for religious purposed when the Borough . . . — — Map (db m102334) HM
This marvelous Tudor Revival-styled facility is one of the oldest buildings in Harrisburg still standing that was originally erected for use as a school and is the oldest schoolhouse on Allsion Hill. Prior to the industrialization of eastern . . . — — Map (db m31293) HM
When ten hilltop acres of William Maclay's farm were sold in 1810 to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the ultimate erection of the Old Capitol Building, the sale was predicated upon Maclay's earlier prescribed directive establishing exactly . . . — — Map (db m6690) HM
The prominence of Harrisburg's State Street, between the Capitol and the Susquehanna River, is enhanced by the presence of two Roman Catholic edifices. While the Cathedral of St. Patrick, closer to the Capitol, helps to capture the grandeur of the . . . — — Map (db m6731) HM
Although the original Borough of Harrisburg and its oldest neighborhoods comprise the area now occupied by the Central Business District, the city's oldest structure is ironically located at its eastern end amidst 20th Century development. This . . . — — Map (db m6887) HM
A tract of 1272 acres, now this part of Harrisburg, was first surveyed in 1732 for Thomas Penn, and was known as Paxtang Manor. It was sold, 1760, to three colonial settlers: Thomas Simpson, Thomas Forster, Thomas McKee. — — Map (db m159630) HM
The economic prosperity enjoyed nationally throughout the 1920's was clearly not lost upon Harrisburg's downtown development. By the decade's climatic conclusion there would rise a new generation of buildings in the city - those not traditionally . . . — — Map (db m6717) HM
A State-owned canal system, built 1826-34, to connect Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Lake Erie. The first lock on the canal to be dedicated, March 13, 1827, was "Penn Lock," 150 yards east. It was replaced in 1859 by Locks No. 10 and 11. — — Map (db m6775) HM
The rise of Harrisburg's importance and distinction as one of the major transportation centers in the eastern United States was launched on March 14, 1827, by the laying of the cornerstone at the eastern end of Walnut Street downtown for the . . . — — Map (db m6831) HM
First held in January 1917, the Farm Show took place each year at various Harrisburg locations until 1931, when it moved to the new Main Exhibition Building here. The Large Arena first opened for the 1939 show. From modest beginnings, the Farm Show . . . — — Map (db m6252) HM
The Pennsylvania Governor's Residence is located at a spot so stunning that it captures the essence of the Commonwealth's beauty through sweeping vistas of the Susquehanna at a point where the state's piedmont greets the blue mountains of the great . . . — — Map (db m6249) HM
Created in 1903 as the Division of Public Records in the State Library, the State Archives safeguards and provides public access to records of state and local government and historical manuscripts. Dating from 1681, original records and papers . . . — — Map (db m6743) HM
Established in 1903, the Pennsylvania State Archives was originally a division of the Pennsylvania State Library which was housed in the Old Executive Office Building (now the Matthew J. Ryan Legislative Office Building) located just south of the . . . — — Map (db m102274) HM
Pennsylvania State Capitol Building has been designated a National Historic Landmark This site possesses national significance in commemorating the history of the United States of America
This building is an outstanding example of the . . . — — Map (db m166611) HM
With 24 acres under one roof, this sprawling complex of buildings was erected for what has become the largest indoor agricultural event in North America, the Pennsylvania State Farm Show. In 1851, the first statewide agricultural exhibition was held . . . — — Map (db m137386) HM
Exact full size replica of the Liberty Bell
Specifically cast for the Pennsylvania Exhibit
at the New York World’s Fair, 1965 and presented to the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by the sponsors of the exhibit,
the Governor’s committee of . . . — — Map (db m128489) HM
After having split from the Presbyterian Church of Harrisburg in 1858, the newly formed congregation, which built this church, first met in the Chambers of the Pennsylvania State Senate. Completed in 1860, the limestone-constructed Pine Street . . . — — Map (db m6719) HM
One of the great debates of our Country's history and legacy is what scholars call "the two Civil Wars": the first a matter of campaigns, generals, and troop movements and the second focusing on the ways that the great conflict affected the daily . . . — — Map (db m102319) HM
Upon the destruction of the Old Capitol Building in 1897, the sense of loss was quickly replaced by a new spirit of community advancement for which the construction of a new Capitol Building would act as catalyst. In order to continue the operations . . . — — Map (db m154747) HM
The Whig Convention of Dec. 1839 met in this church and nominated Wm. Henry Harrison for president, John Tyler for vice-president. Popularized as "Tippecanoe and Tyler Too", they were elected, 1840. — — Map (db m6660) HM
Efforts to organize public workers in PA resulted in Acts 111 in 1968 and 195 in 1970. Tens of thousands of public employees joined unions. The movement to unionize public workers began in the 1930's. was legislatively restricted in 1947 & given . . . — — Map (db m6721) HM
The explosion in the growth of Uptown Harrisburg in the last two decades of the 19th Century required the construction of a new fire station, the first to be located north of Reily Street. On July 11, 1885, the Reily Hose Company was organized and . . . — — Map (db m6797) HM
This land, the largest park in south-central Pennsylvania, and which crowns the city's summit, contrastingly complements Harrisburg's magnificent riverfront. Originally known as Prospect Hill because of its lofty vantage points, the name was changed . . . — — Map (db m6853) HM
This building, the only municipal headquarters building in the world to be named after the civil rights leader, was built for and has served as Harrisburg's City Hall since June, 1982. As part of its efforts to revitalize Center City Harrisburg, . . . — — Map (db m6605) HM
Fired from federal and state jobs because he was gay, this trail-blazing activist took his job discrimination case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. He lost, but his key arguments were valuable in later cases. In 1965, he founded the first . . . — — Map (db m213013) HM
Harrisburg's distinction of having one of the most beautiful inland waterfronts in America is attributed to the growth and conservation of Riverfront Park. Through the foresight of John Harris, Jr., the founder of Harrisburg, 6.2 linear acres along . . . — — Map (db m6401) HM
The fish carved into the tree sculpture depict native fish of the Susquehanna River. This tree carving benefits the Harrisburg River Boat Society and the River School, teaching about ecology, our natural wonders and being good stewards to our . . . — — Map (db m205156) HM
The magnificent Renaissance Revival-styled Seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg is the second to rise from this prominent State Street property. Completed in 1907, Saint Patrick's Cathedral replaced its more modest predecessor, which was . . . — — Map (db m6728) HM
Erected by the Harrisburg Telegram
and its contributors to the
memorial fund in honor of
Samuel F. Keller
Sheriff of Dauphin Co.
17 yrs. Conductor on the
Pennsylvania R.R.
Born Nov. 15, 1843,
Killed on the P.R.R.
near . . . — — Map (db m236480) HM
Although Harrisburg's northern boundary when incorporated as a city in 1860 reached as far as Maclay Street, it would not be until the early 1890's that development widely occurred above Reily Street. Local homebuilder Benjamin Engle launched the . . . — — Map (db m6796) HM
The master plan for the development of the Pennsylvania Capitol Complex was expanded at the close of World War I to include the erection of a colossal bridge which would memorialize those who fought in that War. Such a bridge would punctuate the . . . — — Map (db m6829) HM
This Grove is dedicated by a grateful Commonwealth in recognition of the Soldiers and sailors from Pennsylvania who served in any of our country's wars and in memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice.
[Additional plaques line the . . . — — Map (db m6774) WM
The evolution of the English and German-speaking Lutheran congregations in Harrisburg resulted in the establishment of a number of churches that has helped to enhance the city's fabric of sacred architecture and history. From the oldest site at . . . — — Map (db m6730) HM
As early as the days of John Harris in the mid-18th Century, Harrisburg has well provided for the storage and distribution of military munitions and supplies. Even prior to the completion of the first state capitol building in 1822, an arsenal was . . . — — Map (db m6852) HM
This building, which replaced the old brick capitol, was designed by Joseph M. Huston, and erected, 1902-1906. It was dedicated on October 4, 1906, in the term of Governor Samuel W. Pennypacker. — — Map (db m6770) HM
Phase I of Strawberry Square represents the birth of downtown Harrisburg's revitalization and renewal activity that commenced in the mid 1970's and was pursued with fervor in the 1980's and since. The demolition of the renowned Penn-Harris Hotel at . . . — — Map (db m6747) HM
This block of historic buildings traces a glimpse of Harrisburg's 19th and 20th Century retail development. Restored as Phase II of the Strawberry Square shopping complex in the late 1980's and part of the Old Downtown Harrisburg Commercial Historic . . . — — Map (db m6655) HM
Throughout the 19th Century, lumbering on the Susquehanna River was a major industry. Logs were cut from the forests in the northern part of the state and floated down river to sawmills at Harrisburg and points further south. A popular place where . . . — — Map (db m159640) HM
The enlargement and beautification of Swenson Plaza, completed in 1999, was proposed and initiated by Mayor Stephen R. Reed during ceremonies marking the 25th anniversary of Harrisburg's devastating 1972 Flood caused by Tropical Storm Agnes. As a . . . — — Map (db m6369) HM
"The Acropolis of Harrisburg" is a way in which to describe this Greek Revival, temple-like edifice that rests on a mound of retaining walls jutting from Allison Hill. Although these walls are relatively recent, built when the structure was . . . — — Map (db m6830) HM
Journalist, educator, lawyer. Born here, 1834. Taught in Liberia, 1857-61. Recruited Black soldiers in Civil War; noted as war correspondent. In Europe for freedmen's aid; was admitted to the English bar in 1870. Held major posts in Louisiana, . . . — — Map (db m6658) HM
Constructed 1886 by the
German Evangelical
Zion Lutheran Church
Entered on the Pennsylvania
Inventory of Historic Places
February 7, 1975 — — Map (db m135730) HM
Erected in 1910 and designed by noted Harrisburg architect Charles Howard Lloyd, this building served as the main boy's high school of the City of Harrisburg. Known as the Technical High School, the building replaced, on the same site, the . . . — — Map (db m6691) HM
The origins of the mansion at 105 N. Front Street can be attributed to William Calder, Jr. (1821-1880), Simon Cameron's business partner, banker and manufacturer. Calder's father had been a preeminent Harrisburg stage coach operator and helped to . . . — — Map (db m6341) HM
This building, one of only two to survive on the west side of Front Street and ensconced within the idyllic setting of Riverfront Park, was erected between 1901 and 1903 by William Reynolds Fleming as a single family home which he named "Overlook." . . . — — Map (db m6329) HM
This building was erected in 1920 for the offices of the Pennsylvania Public Services Commission and was one of the first buildings in downtown Harrisburg intended to be leased for state offices. Originally known as the Claster Building, having been . . . — — Map (db m6604) HM
From 1861 to 1929, from the cupola of the old Dauphin County Court House, this bell rang out its message to the people of Harrisburg.
Cast by Meneely’s
of West Troy, New York — — Map (db m121987) HM
The current era of hostelries in Harrisburg can be defined as having begun in 1965 with the construction of the Holiday Inn Town, now The Crowne Plaza. Prior to that time, the Harrisburger and Penn-Harris Hotels, at Third and Locust and Third and . . . — — Map (db m6561) HM
Although the Founder of Harrisburg, John Harris, Jr., was a member of the Church of England, it was not until 1826 that a permanent Episcopal church building was erected here. Consecrated on St. John's Day, 1827, by Bishop William White, who was . . . — — Map (db m6333) HM
This wood sculpture, utilizing the remaining trunk of a storm-ravaged Riverfront Park tree, honors the ideals and goals of the Susquehanna River School and reflects the beauty within both humanity and nature.
The Susquehannocks, here depicted . . . — — Map (db m205155) HM
Founded in 1844 in London, England, by George Williams, the Young Men's Christian Association quickly grew in the United States with Harrisburg, in 1854, being one of the first eight cities in the nation to establish a chapter. Located at various . . . — — Map (db m6732) HM
In memory of U.S. Congressman John Crain Kunkel and Katherine Smoot Kunkel for their many years of service and dedication to the community. — — Map (db m6300) HM
1906 was a banner year in Harrisburg for the construction of major buildings. The new State Capitol Building was completed that year and two "book-end" office structures were developed on Market Square. One was the eight-story Union Trust Building . . . — — Map (db m6560) HM
On this site, the southeast corner of Second and Market Streets on Market Square, stood the Jones House, a mid-Nineteenth Century Hotel, which later evolved into the larger Commonwealth Hotel and later, the Dauphin Building. It was here that Abraham . . . — — Map (db m6550) HM
From virtually the first shots of the Civil War, the women of Harrisburg worked in a variety of behind-the-scenes roles that proved essential to the Union victory. When Camp Curtin opened on April 18, 1861, the ladies of Harrisburg were already at . . . — — Map (db m102269) HM
In the house at 223 N. Front Street lived two 19th Century Pennsylvania Governors, William Bigler (1852-1855) and James Pollock (1855-1858). Also here resided U.S. Army Major Marcus Reno, the controversial survivor of the Battle of Little Big Horn, . . . — — Map (db m6330) HM
The Kittatinny Ridge is a 185-mile unbroken chain of forested Appalachian mountains through central and eastern Pennsylvania. It is one of the most diverse and resilient habitats
on Earth and provides clean water, rich forests, recreational . . . — — Map (db m213190) HM
The soldiers and sailors of Harrisburg and Dauphin County who gave their lives during the Civil War were commemorated with the 1866 start-up of construction of the Obelisk in the center of the downtown intersection of N. Second and State Streets. . . . — — Map (db m6729) HM
By the late 1880's, the Old Capitol Building erected in 1822 was becoming limited in space due to the inevitable expansion of state government. A public debate ensued as to whether a new Capitol should be erected, although many had a sentimental . . . — — Map (db m6746) HM
The development and evolution of Harrisburg's early public works infrastructure is captured through the unique Riverfront Park setting of the Old Waterworks, the original stone portion of which was constructed in 1841. At that time water was pumped . . . — — Map (db m6736) HM
On this site for nearly 180 years stood a two and a-half story brick building with ties to local, state and national history. Initially the home of early settler John Frey, the house was sold in 1817 to a noted clockmaker, Frederick Heisley, whose . . . — — Map (db m6574) HM
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission declares The Pennsylvania State Capitol
A Commonwealth Treasure
for all to protect and preserve as a vital architectural and artistic monument to government by and for all Pennsylvanians. — — Map (db m6772) HM
Now the oldest bridge across the Susquehanna River, the People's Bridge was constructed in 1889 utilizing the Baltimore Truss and Phoenix Column in its innovative cast-iron design. It was erected by the People's Bridge Company, organized by the . . . — — Map (db m6370) HM
Built to pre-automobile specifications before the turn of the 20th Century, the People's Bridge by mid century earned the nickname, "Old Shakey," because of the noisy vibrations of its cast-iron superstructure under an ever-increasing volume of . . . — — Map (db m202224) HM
Since its creation in 1905, The State Museum of Pennsylvania has collected, preserved, researched, and interpreted the cultural and natural history of the state. Over the years, the museum has greatly expanded its collections and modernized its . . . — — Map (db m6742) HM
This building, a part of the City Government Complex of the City of Harrisburg, is named for early 20th century Mayor Vance C. McCormick (term 1902-05) who, as a daily newspaper publisher and civic leader, championed the City Beautiful movement . . . — — Map (db m152333) HM
Thomas Morris Chester was born at the corner of Third and Market Streets in Harrisburg in 1834. One of Harrisburg’s most famous nineteenth century African-Americans, he was particularly known for his leadership in education, journalism, military . . . — — Map (db m102315) HM
General Robert E. Lee decided to take the war into the North in June 1863, allowing Southern farmers an uninterrupted growing season, and perhaps convincing European powers to aid the Confederacy. As the rebels invaded Pennsylvania, Harrisburg made . . . — — Map (db m102338) HM
The notable Tudor Revival-styled edifice situated at the southeast corner of N. Front and Muench Streets well exemplifies the grand Front Street mansions of the early 20th Century that would rise north of Forster Street. The house was built in 1917 . . . — — Map (db m6250) HM
The second Bethel AME Church opened on Short Street on November 24, 1839. Bethel’s first pastors-Reverend Levin Lee (ca. 1833-1843), Reverend T.M.D. Ward (1843-1845), and Reverend Abraham Cole (1846-ca.1854) --- each helped increase interest in the . . . — — Map (db m85917) HM
Excluded from a May 1865 "Grand Review of the Armies" in Wash., DC, U.S. Colored Troops from Penna. and Mass. regiments assembled here at State and Filbert Sts. on Nov. 14, 1865 for a parade honoring their courage during the Civil War. Grand Marshal . . . — — Map (db m6773) HM
In the 1850's this area, known as Tanner's Alley, was important on the Underground Railroad. Fugitive slaves hid at Joseph Bustill's & William Jones's houses, a block apart. Frederick Douglass & William Lloyd Garrison spoke at Wesley Union AME Zion . . . — — Map (db m6693) HM
Harrisburg's prominent role in the advance of the Union cause leading to the Civil War was particularly evident by its sympathy in harboring former slaves who had escaped servitude from the South. As early as 1836, the Harrisburg Anti-Slavery . . . — — Map (db m168922) HM
Touted as "Harrisburg's First Skyscraper," the Union Trust Building was completed in 1906 and exemplified the beginning of Center City's 20th Century upward growth, particularly as spawned by the completion of the new State Capitol Building that . . . — — Map (db m6607) HM
Because of the second State Capitol extension, Bethel AME Church purchased the Ridge Avenue Methodist Church building in 1953. (Sixth Street was formerly named Ridge Avenue). The Colored Wesleyan Burial Ground was located on Herr Street about fifty . . . — — Map (db m134669) HM
Located just across N. Fourth Street from Strawberry Square is Walnut Place, a slice of old downtown Harrisburg comprised of a series of late 19th and early 20th Century restored buildings and storefronts. Pictured here is the Rodearmel/German . . . — — Map (db m6694) HM
This bridge, completed in 1890, is the oldest surviving structure to have spanned the Susquehanna River and is one of the largest multi-span, truss bridges ever fabricated by the nationally significant Phoenix Bridge Company. It is also the oldest . . . — — Map (db m6372) HM
Oldest surviving bridge over the Susquehanna. Opened by the People's Bridge Co. in 1890. "Old Shakey," one of the last remaining multi-span Phoenix truss bridges, was a toll bridge until 1957. Flood damage, 1972, closed it to automobiles. Three of . . . — — Map (db m7104) HM
Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts, which opened September 9, 1999, is the successful culmination of decades worth of community effort to develop a major performing arts and science center in downtown Harrisburg. The resources which were . . . — — Map (db m6654) HM
Here at the base of Blue Mountain and within the City of Harrisburg's northern tier lies the 212-acre Wildwood Lake Sanctuary, the last vestige and magnificent preserve of the Susquehanna flood-plain wetlands which at one time were common prior to . . . — — Map (db m7101) HM
Inspired by 'City Beautiful' advocates Horace McFarland and Mira Lloyd Dock, Wildwood Park opened its first trails in 1907. The largest of several Harrisburg parks designed in 1901 by leading horticulturist Warren Manning, it was part of a . . . — — Map (db m7106) HM
In the stone house opposite lived William Maclay, who as a member of the first U.S. Senate, wrote a famous Journal of its debates. A critic of Washington and Hamilton. Pioneer leader of Jeffersonian Democracy. — — Map (db m6290) HM
Situated across this street is the home of William Maclay (1737-1804); statesman, surveyor, lawyer, the Country's first U.S. Senator and son-in-law of John Harris Jr., the founder of Harrisburg. It was Maclay and Harris who laid out the plan of . . . — — Map (db m6291) HM
The growth in the activities and membership of the Harrisburg Masonic Shriners had by the end of the 1920's, resulted in the demand for a grand new facility. The emergence of Italian Lake Park, William Penn High School and the establishment of . . . — — Map (db m6482) HM
"Tippecanoe and Tyler Too" was the familiar political slogan of the 1839 Presidential Campaign. The Campaign began when William Henry Harrison and John Tyler were nominated as the Whig candidates for U.S. President and Vice President in this church, . . . — — Map (db m6662) HM
John Harris Mansion has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 by the United States Department of the Interior — — Map (db m217085) HM
